ChineseStudy

35. Jin | Progress

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English translation

Jin / Progress: This is a time of advancement: the noble house is favored with abundant horses, and there are repeated daytime audiences.

This is the judgment of Jin (Progress), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

First Six: Progress rises in a breaking way; if one remains upright, it is auspicious. Confidence is uncertain, but with abundance there is no blame.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Second Six: Progress is accompanied by sorrow, yet steadiness is fortunate. One receives distinguished blessing from the ruler’s mother.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Third Six: General accord is present, and regret disappears.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Fourth Nine: Progress is like a wary ground creature; while one stays correct, danger is present.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Fifth Six: Regret is gone. Do not worry about gain or loss. Moving forward is auspicious and brings no disadvantage.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Top Nine: At the peak, one advances with force and strikes at settlements; this is dangerous yet may be fortunate. There is no blame, though strictness here is regrettable.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “danger” calls for vigilance; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

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